George Lythgoe

A temporary fire station is proposed on land behind the existing Heywood station to maintain emergency response services while the 60‑year‑old facility is demolished and replaced. The plan includes a modular two‑storey structure and continued use of an outbuilding for specialist vehicles. The project forms part of Greater Manchester’s £38 million Estates Strategy, with a separate application to follow for the full rebuild, including new training and parking facilities.

Rochdale Council has asked organisers of an anti-HMO protest in Heywood to move the event away from the town’s memorial gardens, arguing the site should remain dedicated to remembrance. The protest group rejected the request, insisting it will behave peacefully and proceed as planned. Guest speakers include figures from Restore Britain and Britain First, prompting criticism from Labour MP Elsie Blundell, who opposes political activity at the memorial site. Heywood Veterans Association also voiced concerns, with the council emphasising its consistent approach to protecting the character of memorial locations.